first and second conditional

First and Second Conditionals

Conditionals consist of two clauses: a subordinate clause (a condition introduced by if) and a main clause (result):

1. First ConditionalIf you study hard, you’ll pass the exam. You’ll pass the exam if you study hard.

Structure: If + Present tense / will + infinitive (without ‘to’)When do we use it? To talk about future situations which the speaker feels are possible.

Other modal verbs such as might/ could in the main clause:If you study hard, you’ll/ could/ might pass the exam.

2. Second ConditionalIf you studied hard, you would pass the exam.You would pass the exam If you studied hard.

This actually means: You don’t study hard, that's why I think you won't pass the exam.

Structure: If + Past Simple / would + infinitive (without ‘to’) When do we use it? To talk about hypothetical situations (different from what is actually in reality) and how things would/ could/ might be different.

Other modal verbs such as might/ could in the main clause:If you studied hard, you would/ could/ might be able to pass the exam.

By hypothetical situations, we understand they can be:- improbable: If I saw a bear, I would run away straightaway. - impossible: If I were/ was you, I would apply for this job.- possible, but not true at the moment: If I had a garden, I would grow spices.

Contrasting First and Second Conditional:John and Emma are the final two people in a competition to win a car from their local supermarket. Emma is an optimist and John is a pessimist.

If I win the car, I’ll drive to London. (Emma regards ‘winning the car’ as real)If I won the car, I’d drive to London. (John regards ‘winning the car’ as hypothetical)

Other conditional expressions: proving, provided (that), as/so long as, suppose (that), supposing, what if …, unless.

1. Providing (more frequent in spoken language), provided that (more frequent in writing) may be both for real and unreal conditions:

You can borrow my bike providing/ provided you bring it back.

2. As/So long as (frequently in informal spoken contexts) – can be used for real and unreal situations:As long as it doesn’t rain, we’ll have a great time.

Contributed by Al Rip© The British Council 2011

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

First and Second Conditionals

3. Suppose (that), supposing, assuming can be used to imagine unreal conditions:Supposing you fell in love with your boss, what would you do?

4. What if …? is used to imagine unreal situations and to pose questions about their possible outcomes:

What if she doesn’t turn up? What shall I do?

5. Unless is used to say that something can only happen or be true in a particular situation.

You won't get paid for time off unless you have a doctor's note.You won't get paid for time off if you don’t have a doctor's note.

Practice:First Conditional refers to possible future situations which depend on a condition.

1. Complete the gaps in the first conditional sentences and answer the questions below:

a. We __________ (go) to the mountains next weekend if I ________ (get) paid this week, all right? Is it possible for me to get paid this week?

b. If you ____________ (come) with us now, I’m sure you ________________ (have) a good time. Is it possible for you to come with us?

c. If the weather ___________ (not/ be) good, we _____________(have to stay) at home, unfortunately. Is it possible for the weather to be bad?

d. Don’t worry! I ______________(help) them if they _________________ (need) anything. Is it possible for them to need anything?

2. Read the sentences below and then rewrite them using first conditional sentences:

a. We want to go to the Black Sea but it depends on the weather.

We ________________________________________________________________________

b. I would like to apply for the job but it depends on how high the salary is.

I ___________________________________________________________________________

c. I want to buy this house but it depends on its price.

If ___________________________________________________________________________

d. I want to come to the party but it depends when I finish work.

If I __________________________________________________________________________Contributed by Al Rip

© The British Council 2011

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

First and Second Conditionals

Second Conditional refers to general or present hypothetical situations.

1. Complete the gaps in the second conditional sentences and answer the questions below:

a. I ______________ (join) you if I _________ (not/be) so ill at the moment. Am I ill?

b. Your son ______________ (make) better progress, if you __________ (not/ be) so rude to him.Are you rude to your son?

c. I _____________________ (definitely/ apply) for this job, if I ____________________ (be) you. Am I you?

d. If our boss ___________ (not/complain) so much, everyone _______________ (work) better! Does our boss complain much?

2. Read the sentences below, imagine the opposite (hypothetical) situations and then complete the gaps with second conditional sentences:

a. She is so successful because she works hard.

She ____________________________successful if she __________________ so hard.

b. We are tired because it is very hot today.

We _______________________ tired if it __________________ (not/be) so hot today.

c. I go to restaurants because I can’t cook.

I ______________________restaurants if I ______________________.

d. I have a wonderful family, that’s why I’m so happy.

If I ___________________ such a wonderful family, I ___________________ so happy.

e. I’m working at the moment so that’s why I can’t talk to you.

If I _____________________at the moment I _____________________ to you. f. The dog barks a lot every night, that’s why we can’t sleep well.

If the dog __________________ so much every night we ________________ (sleep) a lot better!

Contributed by Al Rip© The British Council 2011

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.